Why running helps you lose more weight

With approximately 60% of Americans having a desire to lose weight, it is no wonder our lives are bombarded with weight loss options.

Some of these options are completely ridiculous, some actually dangerous, most with over-exaggerated results. However, in reality, simply running helps lose more weight than any pricey product out there.

According to RunnersWorld.com, studies show that running burns twice as many calories as walking. Walking is a great alternative if running is not an option, but obviously running is the best choice for weight loss. This study measured the calorie burn of men and women over the course of one mile. The runners ran about a 9:30 pace, and the walker walked the mile in 19 minutes. Not only did the walker take twice as long, they burned only half the number of calories as their running counterparts.

Contrary to bicycling, where wheels and gears help you glide along the road, or swimming where the buoyancy of water assists your stroke, running is a completely unassisted activity. This means that it is solely the responsibility of your body to propel yourself along the road. Difficult — yes. Highly effective in regards to weight loss — absolutely. Heavier people tend to adopt the belief that running is harder for them, and consequently, they don't run. That may be true, but that also means that they will burn more calories during a run than someone who weighs less. A 220 pound person will burn approximately 165 calories while running one mile, compared to a 120 person burning approximately 95 calories. 3,500 calories are required to lose one pound, thus getting a heavier person to their goals quicker.

Running also is a muscular activity. You need those leg muscles to carry your body weight, core to stabilize your torso and upper body, and your arms and shoulders to balance. So similar to strength training, your muscles will continue to burn calories throughout the day as they work to repair and rebuild themselves. In addition to weight loss, long lean muscles are often a side effect of consistent running.

The best part about running is after the workout is over. Your entire body is spent, toxins sweated out, lungs and heart more efficient than ever. It's a feeling, and a workout, that cannot be recreated by any machine at the gym or infomercial on TV. And when you feel this way, you are somehow inspired to keep feeling this way. As a consequence, running positively affects your eating habits and your desire to continue running. The hardest part is often just getting out the door.

Running undoubtedly helps you lose more weight than anything out there. Inexpensive and effective, give running a chance in your weight loss plan. Set small, attainable goals and you may surprise yourself with the results.